February 13, 2009 • June Walbert
Q: Hi. How is it that people who are trained for and learn to kill professionally, have any value in a modern society? Hasn't their development as contributing humans been permanently stunted? Regards.
--Steve, East Setauket, NY
A: My best answer is reflected in this quote: “I disapprove of what you say but I will defend to death your right to say it." I’m not 100% sure to whom this quote should be attributed. Some say Voltaire. But it addresses the right to speak your mind. A right that we enjoy as Americans due to the service and sacrifice of our military men and women.
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This is one of those questions that was posed merely to rile people up. These kinds of questions are always asked by individuals who are too self-centered and cowardly to even consider the remote possibility of putting themselves in harm's way for the sake of another human being. Snide anti-war propaganda thinly disguised as concern for modern society. Besides, this person could answer his own question by researching all the great leaders, inventors, researchers, scientists, CEOs, philanthropists, doctors, etc. that were/are former military personnel. Indeed, I am surprised you posted such a ridiculous and obviously ill-intentioned question. I can only guess that you wanted to point out that as hard as it is to believe, some people really do have utter disdain for our military.
Posted by: Pam | March 09, 2009 at 12:46 PM
granted, military personnel are trained to kill. after all is that not what fighting a war consist of. but to answer your question, I have never met any service personnel that wanted to kill, looked forward to killing, and would like nothing better than to be a soldier in peacetime training for war and hoping it never comes. Most wait for the day they can go home and start a productive life, have a family, you know, enjoy the american dream that if not for them we wouldn't have. so before you question them, at least be thankful that there are some out there that will fight for you and yes even die.
Posted by: bholder | February 21, 2009 at 08:18 AM
how is it that people who have been trained to only think themselves have any value in modern society ? these views are the extra burden that the military must bear so these foolish comments can be heard.how many have died for you who will never hear these words? words whisper action roars of
Posted by: John & Donna Salmon | February 20, 2009 at 09:59 PM
While I believe this person has the right to express this opinion, I question the rationale behind picking this particular item to send out to all of your reader base. There are far more beneficial and rational topics that could be included in your emails. This comment merely incites strong emotion with possibility for useful discussion.
Posted by: Derek | February 20, 2009 at 11:03 AM
I can't believe you posted that idiotic question in the first place. We'd still be living in caves without what "common defense" has provided mankind to develop.
Posted by: FXH | February 20, 2009 at 09:15 AM